Pocomoke City Police Chief Arthur “Rudy” Hancock has announced his retirement after more than 33 years in law enforcement and corrections, bringing to a close a career that has spanned multiple agencies across Maryland’s Lower Shore.
According to a statement released by the Pocomoke City Police Department, Hancock will officially retire effective September 1, 2026.
Hancock began his public safety career in 1992 as a volunteer police cadet with the Crisfield Police Department before entering corrections with the Somerset County Detention Center in 1993. He returned to the Crisfield Police Department in 2004, where he rose to the rank of First Sergeant and served as acting police chief. During his career, he also served with the Fruitland Police Department and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Police Department.
Hancock joined the Pocomoke City Police Department in 2013 and advanced through the department’s ranks. He served six years as Patrol Commander with the rank of lieutenant before being promoted to Chief of Police in 2021.
In its announcement, the department credited Hancock with helping provide a stable work environment, increasing officer salaries, and improving equipment and vehicles during his tenure as chief.
In his retirement announcement, Hancock expressed gratitude to those who helped shape his career, including his first police chief, Clarence Bell; retired Army Brig. Gen. Warner Sumpter; retired Berlin Police Chief Arnold Downing; Maryland State Police Lt. Earl Starner, commander of the Berlin Barrack; Fruitland Police Chief Krah Plunkert; and Crisfield Police Chief Rick Taylor.
He also thanked the mayor, City Council, and city manager for their support, as well as his family and his wife, Shirl.
Addressing the officers of the Pocomoke City Police Department, Hancock wrote, “We are a team and I will forever be grateful to each and every one of you.”
Following his retirement, Hancock said he plans to begin a new career with Benelli USA.
Editor’s Thoughts
Over the past several years, I’ve had the opportunity to get to know Chief Rudy Hancock fairly well. While no police department is without its challenges, there is no question that he inherited a department facing significant obstacles and faced them head-on.
When Hancock became chief in 2021, the department had experienced severe staffing shortages, and many in our community questioned the future of the agency. Under his humble leadership, the department rebuilt its ranks, modernized its vehicle fleet, policies, and procedures, and made improvements to the station while remaining mindful of costs.
The department has also seen investments in public safety technology during his tenure, including expanded town surveillance capabilities and the addition of a gunshot detection system.
Being the chief of a small-town police department is not a typical 40-hour-a-week job. It is a position that demands attention around the clock, often requiring difficult decisions and sacrifices that extend well beyond the workplace.
Chief Hancock has earned the opportunity to enjoy retirement and the next chapter of his career. On behalf of The Pocomoke City Arrowhead, we thank him for his years of service to the community and wish him the very best in his retirement and future endeavors.
Photo from Pocomoke City Police Department
